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09 JAN 26 sp mtg CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 26, 2009 7:00 P.M. - 7:22 P.M. OPENING REMARKS: The Planning Commission of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met in special session on January 26, 2009. Chairman Traylor opened the meeting at approximately 7:00 p.m. expressing appreciation to those in attendance. ROLL CALL: Commissioners Art Brannen, John Herbold, Tom Evans, and Alderman Bill Howard answered ROLL CALL. Chairman Traylor also answered ROLL CALL and declared a quorum. PRESENT (5); ABSENT (3) OPEN SEAT (1). Others present for the meeting were City Planner Chip McCulley, interested citizens, petitioners, and press. CORRECTION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MINUTES: PUBLIC HEARING(S): a. CONDITIONAL USE of R-3 for property located at the corner of Military and Loop Roads Chairman Traylor opened the public hearing at approximately 7:02 p.m. Mr. James Reid representing property owner Mr. Mohammad Lone, stated that the architect and others are present regarding the application for State funds for the project. City Planner McCulley offered that a history of the property has been provided, pointing out that the same site was approved a conditional use for a more dense multi-family development. He stated that the current design proposal is for a 22 unit per acre development. He related that he and Mr. Whisker have met with the engineer of the project and the proposal is in order. Chairman Traylor closed the public hearing at approximately 7:04 p.m. In response to a question posed by Chairman Traylor, Mr. Reid stated that the development is proposed to be a senior living facility. He added that he feels there is a need for this type development in the southeast part of Jacksonville. Mr. Lenny Jones of the Autumn Group noted that they are partnering with General Properties of North Little Rock to develop the property. He related that Mr. Terry Burruss is the architect and Bond Engineering is performing the civil engineering on the project. He explained that the proposal is to develop 88 units, 72 two-bedroom and 16 one-bedroom units. He 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 26, 2009 7:00 P.M. - 7:22 P.M. noted that it would be approximately 13 units per acre, which offers a nice site layout, a good amount of green space with pocket parks. He stated that the landscaping would exceed City requirements. He related that the one-bedroom units would be over 750 square feet and the two-bedroom units would be 950 square feet. He stated that the development would have nice amenities with an energy package incorporated into the development. He stated that the development would also host a 3,000 square foot community center with a manager and activities director. He noted that it would feature a good size meeting room, library with computers, Internet access and an exercise room. He related that Tower Management, a professional property management company, would be managing the development. He noted that this company also manages their Otter Creek property. He offered the Commission photographs of the cottages at Otter Creek, explaining that the proposed units would be four-plexes. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Evans, Mr. Jones related that the units would be rental. He then answered that the development would meet parking requirements of 1.5 spaces per unit. He related that the exterior would consist of brick trim with siding. It was further explained that the exterior would be a brick wanes coating around the entire building exterior, which is more feasible for lawn maintenance. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Herbold regarding a conditional use and change of ownership, City Attorney Bamburg related that conditions placed on approval would determine if it would be deferred back to the Commission. He noted that without condition a change of ownership or use would trigger a requirement for the new owner to apply for a conditional use. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Herbold, Mr. Reid explained that if the property were rezoned and the development project failed to come to fruition, then the property would have to forfeit its commercial zoning for other possible commercial projects that a commercial zoning would attract. City Attorney Bamburg offered that it is not unusual for a property that is zoned commercial to seek a conditional use, explaining that it is authorized under the zoning ordinance. Mr. Jones answered that the development would be for seniors 55 and up. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 26, 2009 7:00 P.M. - 7:22 P.M. Discussion ensued that support documentation would be included in the record to maintain the intentional integrity of development use. Mr. Jones noted that the development is an over 10 million dollar construction project, noting that the financing would be in place for over 15 years. He stated that this development would be the same as the one at Otter Creek, adding that the same rules and regulations would apply. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Herbold, Mr. Jones related that the development is being designed to be self- contained; adding that they feel it will be a plus to that part of Jacksonville. He then noted that the property would have controlled access and fencing. He noted a similar development in Hot Springs in a similar location, which has been very successful. He stated that while it takes time to fill the development, once filled seniors stay. He went on to note that they have worked with the Jacksonville Senior Center who will provide transportation from the development to the Center for activities. He stated that market analysis shows that this development would draw not only from Jacksonville but also from north Pulaski County. He stated that the quality of this development would be above what is currently offered in the market. Commissioner Brannen moved, seconded by Commissioner Herbold to approve the conditional use of R-3 for use as requested. MOTION CARRIED. b. CONDITIONAL USE of a daycare facility for property located at 501 South First Street Chairman Traylor opened the public hearing at approximately 7:18 p.m. Ms. Alexis Young of 1731 Marlin Drive in Little Rock stated that she is proposing to lease the property at 501 South First Street and open a child development center. She explained that that her lease would be for five years with plans to renew, adding that she has a background in childhood education and feels the Jacksonville community would benefit from having a childhood development center. She noted that the property had previously been licensed for 40 infants and 95 school aged and preschoolers. She then answered that she hopes to have 135 children. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 26, 2009 7:00 P.M. - 7:22 P.M. City Planner McCulley related that the building was originally built as a daycare with a conditional use. He noted that the ownership changed and the daycare moved to another location. He stated that Ms. Young is leasing the building and requesting a conditional use to operate a childcare facility. Chairman Traylor closed the public hearing at approximately 7:21 p.m. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Brannen, Ms. Young stated that the number of employees would depend on the number of students. She explained that requirements are 1 employee for every 6 infants and 1 for every 15 children of an older age. She then answered that the playground area to the rear of the building is fenced. It was noted that parking is adequate. Commissioner Howard moved, seconded by Commissioner Brannen to approve the conditional use of a daycare facility at 501 South First Street as requested. MOTION CARRIED. REQUEST TO APPROVE PLAT(S): BUILDING PERMIT(S): GENERAL: ANNOUNCEMENT: ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Traylor without objection adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:22 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _________________________ Susan L. Davitt 4